Joey and Rory Feek to Release New Album on Valentine's Day Despite Joey Feek's Prognosis

Joey and Rory Feek, the country/bluegrass duo known as Joey + Rory, will release a new album on Valentine's Day, despite the very real possibility that Joey Feek won't live to see the release. At home under hospice care, Joey stopped all treatments for her cervical cancer a few weeks ago, and came home to enjoy what time she has left with her husband and daughter.

Rory Feek announced the release date of their new album via his website.

"The one she’s always wanted to make--filled with the hymns she grew up with," he explained. " We recorded it in a studio in Nashville early in the summer--just after recovering from her first big surgery in Chicago. And then she did her vocals where she could…in hotel rooms, our house, wherever and whenever she felt up to singing."

"In early October, we even did a TV taping of the songs in the concert hall at our farm in front of a live audience," he continued. "Joey was weak and it was difficult for her, but she was determined. This record means so much to her. It is the songs that are the most important to her."

"I think Joey wants to capture the words and music of her childhood," Rory Feek added. "The music that she goes to when she needs comfort. The music that makes this beautiful, tragic, crazy life somehow make sense. I think she wants to capture this music so we can take it home with us."

"Softly and Tenderly" was recorded by Joey and Rory Feek, as serves as an example of the music Joey + Rory fans have come to love.

Joey and Rory Feek have endured many bittersweet moments since Joey entered hospice care. His daughters came to spend time with their stepmom, as have dear friends and additional family members.

"Her friends gathered around her on the couch and she told them of her hope that she might be able to still be here for Christmas, or for Indiana's second birthday in February," Rory Feek writes. "Joey's hope never fades. No amount of pain or medicine can touch it. It runs too deep. It's connected to her faith in God. And as she will tell you, God can do anything."

In a recent interview with The Tennesseean, Joey Feek shared that she fears nothing in the face of death.

"I pray that one morning I just don't wake up," she said. "But I don't fear anything because I'm so close to God and we've talked about it so many times. I know he's close. And I know he loves me. I'm really at peace. I still believe there's healing in prayer."

This new album by Joey and Rory Feek will indeed be a blessing for all their family members, friends, and fans. It will allow them yet one more piece of Joey Feek to treasure after she's gone.

Kimberly Ripley
Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A wife, mom of five and 'Nana' to Lilly and Aiden, she loves cooking for her big family and watching HGTV in her spare time. Kim is guilty of starting way more home design projects than she can finish. Visit her at Twitter and Facebook.Google+